Safety Center

Avoid Scams and Fraud

Most local classifieds on freepetsclassifieds.com, are posted by honest people and are safe to use. Yet, as online scammers are becoming more widespread and creative with their tactics, consumers need to be aware of how to protect themselves.

Here on freepetsclassifieds.com we are trying to prevent the increase of fake ads. We work at modernization of our software which automatically detects and removes a large amount of scam listings every day. We also have employees to keep you in safety.

However you as our visitors play a crucial part helping us delete bad ads and also informing us. If you see suspicious item, please let us know.

Here are some tips to help you avoid scams and fraud

Only deal with people in your area. The best way to avoid scammers is to deal locally, with people you can meet in person. Scammers will often contact you from another country or somewhere far away, asking you to ship the item you're selling.

Check the phone number by using a free service like http://www.reversephonelookup.com/ to verify the number.

Freepetsclassifieds.com is not involved in any transaction between buyers and sellers, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification". Please read our Terms of Use.

Avoid deals that are too good to be true. Scammers try often to post fake ads, selling items that are significantly underpriced. If you see any of these fake ads, please report them by clicking "report abuse" in the ad.

Beware of identity theft. Don't share your private info. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Don't give out bank account numbers, passwords, mother's maiden name, date of birth, place of birth, credit card numbers, social security numbers, or any other personal information.

Beware of fake cashier's checks and money orders. Scammers will often send you a fake cashier's check valued above your asking price. The scammer will then ask you to wire the over-payment back to them. Your bank may even cash this check, but when it's discovered that the check is fraudulent, you will be held responsible by your bank.

Examples of popular scams

Pet scams (monkeys, puppies, horses, birds, etc.)

How to avoid them:

Only deal with people in your area. The best way to avoid scammers is to deal locally, with people you can meet in person. Scammers will often contact you from another country or somewhere far away, asking you to ship the item you're selling. Beware of pets that are otherwise expensive or rare being offered for adoption or for very cheap.

More details:

It could affect any category such as dogs, monkeys, cats, horses, birds -- anything that tends to be expensive where they can trick you with a really good price.

It could even include pictures and other details – often copied from a genuine seller‘s ad.

The seller will claim they had to move or give another excuse for why you can't see the animal in person (examples: moved to Africa for missionary or development work, sold the pet to someone who moved overseas and now they want to sell it back, etc.).

They will ask for shipping money even if the animal was initially listed as free. The animal will never arrive.